Happened as I was exiting an empty parking lot and a minivan was entering and turned into me, hitting my rear driver's side door. The guy admitted it was his fault and he would pay for the damages. I got his name, business card, driver's license #, and license plate. He then said it is my choice whether to report it and claim it through my insurance. I said we can resolve this without involving them. No cops were involved. I told him I will draft a brief letter (indicating that he will be willing to pay for the damages) and have him sign i tomorrow. He was ok with that, and we went off on our merry ways. He seemed genuine to me, but of course, that means nothing. So my questions are:
1 - did I do the enough in this situation?
2 - Should I report the accident to the Collision Reporting Centre?
3 - If I do report it, are they going to contact my insurance co.?
4 - Any other advice you can give me?
2006-10-11 13:57:40 · 6 answers · asked by made_of_stone 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
No. You do not claim this through your insurance. You must go through his. If he is honest, which I am doubting since he suggested going through your insurance knowing his insurance would be liable, then he might offer his insurance information to you when you call the number on the business card. Get the insurance agent and the agent should be able to look him up. Warning! He must admit fault to the insurance agent. If he does not, you can bet his insurance will not pay unless you take him to court and can somehow prove that he was 100% responsible. If you're hit in back, then your chances are better than if you're hit on the side. If his insurance refuses to pay, then you must file through your own and you will be out whatever collision deductible you have. In the future, remember the person at fault has to provide THEIR insurance information AND do NOT give them yours for sure if you aren't willing to admit any fault. My guess, though, is that if he suggested you can go through your insurance he probably doesn't have any of his own. Bum luck! ALWAYS wait for the police to show up (unless someone is bleeding to death and you have to take them to the hospital or something...after all, a life is worth more than a stupid deductible and insurance hike). Chances are, if someone is bleeding to death, though, you wouldn't be able to drive off. I hope you copied his number from his drivers license and he didn't just read numbers off to you. You should probably talk to your agent, but let them know you're going to try and file it through HIS insurance. Insurance companies need to know if you've had an accident whether you were at fault or not.
2006-10-11 15:39:23 · answer #1 · answered by JACQUELINE 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In a nutshell, you are taking a chance by not reporting it and yes , if you do report it, your insurance company is notified and an increase in your premiums usually follows. Were there any independent witnesses? What happens tomorrow if your good intentions backfire and the other guy did report the accident and now has a neck or back injury. Then you'd be up the creek without a paddle. I hope your faith in the other driver plays out for you. I admire your courage as many things could go wrong. Good luck.
2006-10-11 21:11:10 · answer #2 · answered by Bob D 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry you should also have had his insurance policy number. Now when you say XXX to fix my car he will say prove i caused it! Always get the person at faults insurance information phone numbers and go thru the police for a report or get eye witness accounts of what happened. Advice call your agent give them all the information let your insurance company handle all the leg work. And take the car to the body shop for repair right away. Got rent car coverage? It really makes the body shops work faster.
2006-10-11 21:07:55 · answer #3 · answered by John Paul 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
anything less than $500 dollar damage is not required for you to report it to the police...all depends on your local state law, all states are different...but reporting it to your insurance is a must. Just for your protection, because if the other guy can refuse to pay for your vehicle then you are stuck with a damaged vehicle you have to fix yourself. Contract made by individuals are not legal document unless made by lawyers or certified contractors.
2006-10-11 21:11:47 · answer #4 · answered by airaiboi808 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, here in the states you ALWAYS should report it to your insurance carrier at once. These things have a way of spiraling out of control.....
2006-10-12 01:10:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
duh yeah
2006-10-12 00:35:33 · answer #6 · answered by cheeryeyeore 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋